The Scottish government has confirmed its de facto ban on hydraulic fracturing and other methods of developing unconventional oil and gas (UOG) resources.
Energy Minister Paul Wheelhouse cited “the incompatibility of UOG development with climate change policy.”
The decision, he said, “means the Scottish government will not issue licenses for new UOG development, and that Scotland’s planning framework will not support development using unconventional oil and gas extraction techniques, including coalbed methane and hydraulic fracturing.”
Wheelhouse had told Parliament in October 2017 that a moratorium on hydraulic fracturing imposed in 2015 “would remain in place indefinitely” and said local authorities had been informed of an effective ban on UOG development.
After a court challenge, the government said it had not implemented a ban.
Wheelhouse called the new decision “a finalized policy.” A final policy due in this year’s first quarter was delayed for public consultation (OGJ Online, Mar. 27, 2019).
